Bhai Dooj and Guru-Disciple Parampara

Bhai Dooj and Guru-Disciple Parampara
A Guru and disciple are attached to each other through a divine bond. A Guru loves his disciples, guides them and showers blessings upon them. Likewise, a beautiful bond exists between a brother and a sister. Both have unconditional love for each other, both protect each other, and both admire each other. Bhai Dooj is the celebration of this divine bond. The festival has the elements of Guru-disciple tradition wherein sisters express their unconditional love for their brothers and in return they receive blessings and gifts.
This year, we will be observing Bhai Dooj on 16th Nov. (Monday). This will be the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha of Vikram Samvat’s holy Kartika month. On the auspicious day, sisters will pray for a healthy and prosperous life of their brothers, and brothers will give gifts to their sisters. This sounds like a simple ritual, but it is not. The significance of this traditional festival is deep and there are two legends related to the great festival.
According to one legend, Bhai Dooj is celebrated to venerate Lord Krishna’s sister Subhadra’s fond gesture toward her warrior brother. Yes, Lord Krishna has also been a great warrior of His times. When Lord Krishna fought a long battle and defeated the demon king Narakasur, Subhadra invited him to celebrate His victory. Lord Krishna went to her home, she applied tilak on his forehead and performed aarti. Lord Krishna was delighted by his sister’s gestures and He blessed her with abundant boons. And since then the ritual is celebrated as Bhai Dooj.
According to another legend, after asking Yamaraj countless of times to visit her, Yamuna, his sister, finally got her wish fulfilled. He visited her. She welcomed him and applied a tilak on his forehead while praying for his long life. And when Yamraj asked his sister for a boon, she replied that she just wishes that he visit her every year and any sister who does the rituals shall not ever fear death. He granted her the wish. This gesture of Yamraj became the tradition of Bhai Dooj and is still followed.
Both are beautiful legends and they signify the eternal bond of love between brothers and sisters. And this is an ancient Hindu tradition that is being practiced even today as a sacrament.
So, let’s get ready to celebrate bhai dooj by following the traditional rituals.
The Rituals
• The plate for the tikka ceremony should be decorated.
• Sindoor / Vermillion, fruits, sweets, betel nut, flowers are placed in the plate
• The brother sits while the sister applies the sindoor tilak and rice on his forehead
• The sister gives her brother a betel nut, betel leaf, black grams and sweets
• The sister performs the Arti of her brother and prays for his long healthy happy life
• After Tilak and Aarti, the brother presents his sister with gifts and vows to protect her for life.
• And finally, the brother enjoys a sumptuous meal prepared by his sister.
Indeed! India is a land of beautiful traditions. Let’s celebrate Bhai Dooj according to our traditions and take the blessing of our Guru so that he continues showering his blessing upon us. It is believed that all worldly relationships last one lifetime, but a Guru-disciple bond is eternal and thus must be sacredly guarded with true devotion. Therefore, offer your heart to your Guru while He vows to protect you.